Chris Vernon went on an epic Twitter rant after ESPN Memphis’ statement
Chris Vernon was released from his contract at 92.9 FM ESPN earlier this week and the backlash at ESPN wasn’t positive. Verno posted an awesome tweet from the Dark Knight Rises, but other than that, things were quiet. #FreeVerno began blowing up on Memphis Twitter and fans were not happy to hear that the Chris Vernon Show was not going to be on their airwaves any longer.
Today, things got a little crazy. First, ESPN 92.9 posted this on Facebook,
"Statement from Dan Barron, V.P. Market Manager Entercom Memphis regarding Chris Vernon’s exit:“We had hoped that Chris Vernon would stay with 92.9 ESPN. We made a number of offers for multi-year contracts but he did not accept them and broke off negotiations. Chris is very talented and we wish him the very best.”"
He even adds in a #FreeVerno at the end! He had to mean it!
Chris was apparently not pleased with this development and released a Twitter firestorm shortly after (that gets continually more awesome by tweet).
Well, that @929espn statement is... interesting. Now... for the truth...
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) September 6, 2016
He offers to periscope the rant (sadly, he does not). He stretches his fingers and then he releases a symphony of tweets.
My contract was up on August 31st. The first time anyone talked to me about a contract was August 30th. This is of course done so that...
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) September 6, 2016
the employee then has limited choices. I did not want the offer. I was then told that I had their FINAL OFFER on friday and respond by...
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) September 6, 2016
2pm that day. My last contract was 2 years. We hit our #1 bonus every single time. We have more advertisers than any show... And now...
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) September 6, 2016
I have to decide to take a deal I don't want or not work there within 48 hrs. I don't believe that is the way you treat people
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) September 6, 2016
He builds even more suspense by tweeting “Now what you really wanna know…” Yes, Chris! We want to know!
I was willing (and did) turn down a massive amount of money to stay there. I said I would work another year and could figure it out...
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) September 6, 2016
This is awesome. Most people in this situation give no credibility to the opposite party. It was cool to see Chris say he turned down “a massive amount of money” while giving his reasons why he did not stay. Very cool.
then I was taken off the website. Scrubbed from everything, and told FINAL OFFER (again, an offer i didn't want). Is what it is
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) September 6, 2016
I had full confidence that my listeners and sponsors will ride with me like always have. Thank you. We will go where we are appreciated.
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) September 6, 2016
"YOU HAVE OUR FINAL OFFER. RESPOND BY 2 PM" pic.twitter.com/EmhbY8Oyiv
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) September 6, 2016
HOLY COW! CHRIS VERNON IS A TWITTER CHAMPION! The #FreeVerno hashtag gathered a substantial following in the area. The Grindfather showed his support for the Chris Vernon Show as well.
Related Story: #VernoIsFree: Chris Vernon joins 'The Ringer'
https://twitter.com/aa000G9/status/771823387182141441
#FreeVerno https://t.co/x73jImxds4
— Tony Allen (@aa000G9) September 6, 2016
Chris Vernon has been the voice of Memphis sports talk radio the past few years. His presence will be sorely missed and he will be hard to replace. #FreeVerno
Related Story: Chris Vernon opened up to a Redditor about his breakup with ESPN